To ring in a new year in Ghanaian music, Billboard Africa hosted its first Editor’s Table event in Accra, Ghana on Thursday 8 January.
Hosted in collaboration with Hennessy, The Editor’s Table dinner series brings together artists, executives and luminaries from across the African entertainment ecosystem into an intimate setting that fosters the kinds of connections that are sometimes difficult to achieve in the midst of demanding recording, touring or performance schedules.
“No matter where on the continent I’ve traveled, and no matter where I’ve been around the world, I’ve found that Africans are united in our drive to create community, everywhere we are – and that often starts with a warm dinner gathering,” says Billboard Africa Editor-in-Chief, Nkosiyati Khumalo.
“The Editor’s Table was born from this idea, and it’s one way that, together with our partners at Hennessy, we aim to create connections within the music and entertainment industries; to celebrate the context and locality that informs the music, and to explore ways to further expand the musical ecosystem. Our first iteration in Accra was a special opportunity to cap off a banner year for Ghanaian talents – and to discover what they’re looking forward to in 2026.”
Photo: Tetson Photography
Guests gathered at The Mix Design Hub’s rooftop restaurant in Accra’s Osu Cultural Hub for a meal bringing together the flavours of the city, and custom cocktails curated by Hennessy.
“We are thrilled to have launched the inaugural Editor’s Table, a collaboration between Hennessy and Billboard Africa, created to celebrate the exceptional talent within Africa’s vibrant music and creative industries,” says Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director Moët Hennessy Middle East Africa. “This partnership perfectly embraces our intent to truly foster connections and nourish a sense of community whilst honouring the continent’s dynamic cultural landscape and the artists who shape its creative spirit.”
In conversations moderated by Khumalo, guests shared their insights and reflections on how they seek out collaborations, on representing Ghana, on creating legacies, and their hopes for the Ghanaian music industry for the year ahead.
“If I like someone or I think they’re dope, or if I see talent, or I see some chemistry, I’m just going to dive into the DM; I’ll speak to them in person; I will be open – because you just never know when something will click, and something fruitful will come out of it,” shares “Shake It To The Max” hitmaker, MOLIY.
Soulful singer-songwriter Gyakie echoed this: “I always like to work with musicians not just in my culture, but outside, because one of the amazing things about music is that these collaborations bring cultures together from different parts of the world.”
“Representation is at the heart of what a lot of us do as artists,” shared Afro-fusion star M.anifest. “Not only is it beautiful that we represent, but there’s almost a responsibility that we do, because that’s how we connect to each other, and that’s how we connect authentically.”
Nigerian producer and entertainment mogul DJ Obi shared what he loves about spending time in Ghana: “I like experiencing a different vibe from what I’m used to in Nigeria, and also learning more about the music out here, the culture, the food. I love coming to Ghana; there’s something vibrant about being here, especially in December – there’s a lot of joy. That’s one thing about the Detty December thing, where it’s all about the parties, but they don’t forget about the holiday cheer out here. They still keep those values. And it’s what makes us African: our music, our culture, our food, our fashion. I love to share that with the rest of the world, because they’ve been misinformed. And if you want the information, you ave to tap in with us. And it’s about feeling proud to be from Africa, to be from Nigeria, to fellowship with my Ghanaian brothers and sisters, and to take our story across the world through music.”
Find the best photos from The Editor’s Table Vol. 1, below.
Xzavier Zulu (L) and Mamthug
Xzavier Zulu and Mamthug at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Raevin (L) and KillBeatz
Raevin and KillBeatz at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Josh Wilson (L) and Kodjo Adovor
Josh Wilson and Kodjo Adovor at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Gyakie
Gyakie at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
M.anifest
M.anifest at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
DJ OBi
DJ Obi at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Bakary Yeo
Bakary Yeo at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Emmanuel Sedo
Emmanuel Sedo at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Zanyiwe Asare
Zanyiwe Asare at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Kelly Kabongo
Kelly Kabongo at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Nkosiyati Khumalo
Nkosiyati Khumalo at the Billboard Africa Editor’s Table Vol. 1 event, held at The Mix on 8 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
